A Texas Hill Country rancher erected a 101-foot tall metal cross on the highest hill on his ranch in 2008, near Pipe Creek Texas.
The rancher called it his Valentine Card to God. He explained that Jesus had done so much for him that he wanted to do something big for Jesus.
The rancher won accolades from some for the impressive structure which can be seen for miles. He was also slammed with criticism. Some complained that the rancher should have used the money spent erecting the cross to feed the poor. Some said they resented being subjected to the symbol of his faith on their drive through the hill country.
Jesus faced the same sort of hostility and criticism. When Jesus ordered the demons out of a naked man who lived at the tombs, townspeople ordered Jesus out of town. When Jesus told the woman at the well how she could receive Living Water, people complained that Jesus did not know about the woman’s depleted moral standards. When Jesus visited with the lowest echelon of people, He was accused of eating and drinking with sinners. When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, it sealed His death warrant.
The Song of Solomon says that “Jealousy is as cruel as the grave.” (8:6) Even so, it was love, not jealousy and hatred that sent Jesus to the cross.
“For God, the greatest being, So Loved, the greatest love, The World, the greatest creation, That He Gave, the greatest act, His One and Only Son, the greatest gift, That Whosoever, the greatest invitation, Believes In Him, the greatest promise, Should Not Perish, the greatest salvation, But Have Everlasting Life, the greatest assurance.” John 3:16.
I love Valentine’s Day. I love giving cards and eating chocolate. I love celebrating love. Being a writer of romantic suspense books, celebrating the gift of love motivates me. I’ve written a young adult pro-life adventure book, “Love’s Beating Heart.” I’ve written “Killer Conversations” about a serial killer, a book that probes our tendency to pass judgment on others and questions, “Do serial killers go to Heaven?” I’ve written five quirky Texas Miz Mike mystery-romance-suspense books in the “Bridge” series. But I can never write any love story as strong, noble and true as Jesus wrote when He died on the cross because of love.
http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Parker-McKean/e/B00BOX90OO/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Stephanie Parker McKean 
Beautiful, Steph, your writing is awash with your love and faith. If the image of the cross is the one the rancher erected, it is beautifully simple and probably did not cost a heap of money, so all power to him!
Thanks, Val. What a thoughtful comment. I didn’t add it to the story for the sake of brevity, but this same rancher: lets single moms and volunteer emergency personnel (EMS and firefighters) live at his ranch for free. Even law enforcement deputies that have just started working in the county for a low salary. He rescues wildlife and protects endangered species of animals. He donates to his church and to the community – and he never brags or boasts about it or lets anyone know how much all this is costing him.
i was the main guy who helped erect that beutiful cross they someone fillming on and by helicopter canyou help me.i also erected the on 87 going to Fredricksburg Tx. that one is 75ft tall painted U.T..orange i feel very proud to have done those 2 landmarks and the help of my co workers and of Jesus.
God bless you! What marvelous work you’ve done for the Lord. I am proud of you and I know you’ve made God smile! I’ll remember your name in case I have a chance to do another blog like this. Thank you!
I saw this beautiful cross today with my husband and daughter and grandson. And it was beautiful. People need to know that god is amazing and loves the world that he gave us his perfect son. People’s please don’t judge. His son died for u too godbless us all.
Thank you. It is inspirational and beautiful. God bless.